Current-motor.



No. 825,154. PATENTED JULY 3, 1906.

T. G. PALMER.

CURRENT MOTOR.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 6, 1903.

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Nmw 4m. 7M YM PATENTED JULY 3, 1906.

I. G. PALMER. CURRENT MOTOR.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 5f 1903.

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PATENTED JULY 3, 1906.

T. G. PALMER.

CURRENT MOTOR.

APPLIUATION FILED AUG. 5, 1903.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CURRENT-MOTOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

atented July 3, 1906.

Application led August 5,1903. Serial No. 168,260.

To 1J/- whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, TRUMAN G. PALMER, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Current-Motors, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

rPhe invention relates more partiularly to that class of current-motors in which the force of a running stream of water is exerted upon a plurality of blades or paddles that are successively immersed into and lifted from the stream.

The invention has for its object to improve this class of current-motors in various particulars; and with this object in view the invention consists in the features of novelty hereinafter described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the claims at the end of this specification.

Figure 1 is a view in central vertical section through a current-motor embodying my invention. F 2 is a view in horizontal section online 2 2 of Fig. l. Fig. 3 is a view in vertical cross-section on line 3 3 of Fig. l. Fig. 4 is a detail side view of one end of the motor.

In many situations my improved motor will be supported upon a catamaran or other suitable buoyant structure g but as this forms no part of the present invention I have not deemed it necessary to illustrate it in the accompanying drawings.

As shown, the frame A of the motor is made of iron or steel channel-bars, as by such bars the frame can be made exceedingly strong and without great weight. The top and bottom side bars a and a of the main frame are shown as connected at and between their ends by posts a2, between which extend the top and bottom cross-bars a3. In suitable bearings at the ends of the main frame A are ournaled the shafts B and B', to each end of which are fixed the sprocketwheels B2 and B3. Over these sprocketwheels pass the endless chains C, that carry paddles or blades D in suitable number. As shown, each of the paddles or blades D is pivotally-mounted upon a transverse rod E, that extends between and is secured to sprocket-chains C, and preferably the ends of each of the rods E are extended beyond the sprocket-chains and are fitted with antifriction-rollers e, that move within the channels of the guide-bars F and F. The guidebars F and F are secured to the inner sides oi the main frame A and preferably extend from end to end of the main frame at points opposite the top and bottom of the sprocketwheels B2 and B3. Preferably the channels of the guide-bars F and F are slightly flaring, (the antifriction-rollers e being correspondingly shaped,) so as to prevent the lodgment of sediment within the channels of the guide-bars.

The paddles or blades D are preferably formed from sheet metal, and in the preferred form of my invention that edge of each of the blades or paddles that travels lowermost in the water is weighted, so as to aid in causing each paddle to assume its proper position as it enters the stream. A simple manner of weighting the ends of the paddles is by reverting a sheet-metal flange d at the edge of the paddle over a metal bard at such point. In orderto cause the paddles D to more effectively assume their proper positions, I prefer also to pivotally support each of the paddles at one side of its plane, this being readily effected by forming each paddle with ianges d2 at its ends, through which the rods E will loosely pass.

To cause the paddles D to properly enter and leave the water, I employ the improved arrangement of guys or cables next to be described.

To each paddle, at points adjacent that edge that travels uppermost when the paddle is submerged and which for convenience will be hereinafter termed the light edge of the paddle, are connected at each side the cables G and G', the opposite ends of these cables extending, respectively, forwardly and rearwardly from the paddle and being connected, preferably, by swivel-eyes g (see Fig. 3) to the rods E of the adjacent front and rear paddles. The connection of the guys or cables G and G' to the paddles may be conveniently effected by providing holes in the end flanges of the paddles to which the ends of the cab es will be fastened.

By reference to Fig. 1 of the drawings the action of the guys or cables G and G will be readily understood. As each paddle in its uppermost or idle position moves toward the front of the machine it occupies a substantially vertical position; but as the pivot-rod IOO IOS

of the preceding paddle passes on to and I around the front sprocket-wheels B2 the guys or cables G of said next succeeding paddle gradually slacken, thereby permitting the weighted edge of said next succeeding paddle as it approaches the sprocket-wheels to drop forwardly and downwardly until when it is above the sprocket-wheels it assumes the position of the paddle, as own in Fig. l of the drawings g but at 'dus time the guy or cable G still remains taut, thus exerting its control over the light edge of the paddle, so that the paddle is caused to gradually assume a forwardly and downwardly inclined position, the degree of inclination being controlled by the cables G. Hence it will be seen by reference to Fig. l that as each paddle passes downward and into the water it is positively guided and enters the water without any splash and is so held that there is no danger of any jarring or racking of the machine because of the sudden strain exerted on the paddle by the current, and the paddle thus entering the water does not present itself at right angles to the current until the paddle is submerged. As a paddle passes downwardly from the horizontal plane of the front sprocket-wheels B2 and rearwardly from such sprocket-wheels the sprocketchains straighten out, and this serves to increase the distance from the edge of the paddle to the points on the sprocket-chains-i. e., the pivot-rods E-where the stay-cables are attached, thus gradually bringing each paddle after it has left the front sprocketwheel into an upright position without any jar or jerk, and in such upright position the paddle willv receive the full impact cf the current. The paddle thus continues to travel in upright position .until the pivot-rod of the preceding paddle passes onto and partially around the rear sprocket-wheels B3, when as the distance between the light edge of the paddle that has not yet passed onto. the sprocket-wheels and the pivot-rod of the preceding paddle that is on the sprocket-wheels is lessened the paddle as it approaches tne rear sprocket-wheels can turn about its axis, thereby permitting its weighted lower end to swing with the current. Hence it will be seen that as the paddles rise from the water they occupy an inclined position which prevents their lifting t-he water and by so much avoids the usual back pressure or resistance to the travel of the paddles. As the pivotrcd of each paddle passes around the rear sprocket-wheels B3 the guys or cables G remaining taut cause the light edges of the paddle to swing forwardly and downwardly, as indicated by theadjacent arrow, Fig. l, until the position of each paddle is reversed, each paddle being thus gradually revolved as it passes around the machine.

While I prefer to use wire rope for the guys or cables G and G', I do not wish the invention to be understood as restricted to the use of rope, since any other suitable kind of guys may be employed in place thereof.

In order to prevent the guys or cables from contacting with the sprocket-chains, I prefer to employ guards or fenders H at the ends of the paddles, these guards or fenders extending between the guys or cables G and G and the sprocket-chains and being preferably attached to the ends of the paddles by angular brackets h (see Fig. 3) and setting loosely over the pivot-rods E. These fenders H may be seinicircular plates of open-work material or may be solid plates of sheet metal, as preferred.

In order to insure the forward and downward turning of each paddle as it passes over the front sprocket-wheel B2, I preferto provide a guide device that shall cause the downward tipping of the weighted edges of the paddles at such point. Preferably this guide consists of a curved spring-bar K, that is supported by a bar k, extending between side bars a5, that are secured to the end posts a2 of the main frame A. The spring-bar K is curved upwardly and forwardly, so that as the paddles approach the front sprocketwheels B2 the light edges of the paddles will come into contact with the spring-bar or guide K, and as they ride over this bar the weighted edges of the paddles will be tipped forwardly and downwardly against the tension cf the guys or cables G. Hence the proper delivery of the weighted edges of the paddles to the current of water is at all times insured.

As the paddles leave the water at the rear end of the motor the guys or cables become relaxed, and to prevent any tendency of a paddle in passing around the rear sprocketwheels B3 to turn suddenly about its axis as it leaves the water I prefer to provide one or more curved guide-bars M, against which the light edge of the paddle may contact as the weighted edge leaves the water. The guidebar M is preferably of spring metal and has its inner end secured to a transverse bar m, that is supported between the side bars a5 of the main frame. It will thus be seen that as each paddle leaves the water at the rear of the motor any tendency toward excess movement about its axis will be checked by the guide-bar M, along which the light edge of the paddle will travel. passes over the rear sprocket-wheels B3 in forward direction the guys or cables become taut and bring the paddles to the vertical position shown in the drawings; lout to avoid any jarring or racking of the machine as the paddles assume this position I prefer to employ a check bar or spring P, the downwardly and forwardly inclined portion of which ex- As each paddle IOO IlO

tends slightly into the path of travel of the "paddles, Vafs `clearly shown in Fig. l of the drawings. Hence it will be seen that as each paddle in passing from the rear sprocketwheels is brought to vertical position by the tightening of the cables its weighted edge may contact with the check bar or spring P, that will relieve the paddle from any sudden j erk or j ar that might tend to rack or injure the machine. The check-bar P is preferably of spring metal and has its upper end fixed to the cross-bar e3 of the main frame. From the foregoing description it will be seen that as the paddles travel around their sprocketwheels they are delivered to and withdrawn from the water in inost effective positions and are so guided that the jars and strains upon the machine are reduced to a minimum.

In order to most effectively deliver the current of water to the several paddles of the motor so that the thrust upon the paddles shall in a measure be equalized, I have provided the improved construction of wings or defiectors next to be described. Y

At various points alng each side of the main frame A are attached the wings or deflectors It, which in the preferred form of the invention are of varyinglengths. Preferably each of the wings R is mounted upon a vertical rod 1', the lower end of which is pivot-- ally sustained in a bracket 1" upon the adj acent bottom side bar a of the main frame, while its upper end is pivotally supported in the supplemental side bar a5, that extends from end to end of the machine at a point slightly above the water-level. As each wing R is thus pivotally supported at its inner end, it will be seen that the wings may be turned at any desired angle to the water-current. By forming the wings R of varying lengths the current of water can be most effectively directed to the several blades or paddles that are submerged. In order to enable the wings R to be conveniently shifted, I prefer to attach to each wing adjacent to its outer end a cable S, that passes around a pulley S, carried by a bracket s, projecting outwardly from the adjacent guide-bar F of the Inachine, the free end of the cable S extending upward and being suitably fastened to the bar a5 above the water-line or in any other convenient point of the main frame. It will be understood, of course, that the force of the water-current tends to hold the wings or deflectors R in extended position; but by means of the cables S the wings can be drawn in and set at any desired angle.

I wish 1t understood that the details of construction above set out may be varied by the skilled mechanic without departing from the spiritof the invention and that features of the invention may be employed without its adoption as an entirety. It will be understood also that the power will be taken from the shaft or shafts of the sprocketwheels by suitable gearing; but as this forms no part of the present invention I have not deemed it necessary to illustrate such gearing in the drawings.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Iletters Patent, is-

1. In a current-motor, the combination with suitable paddle-supporting means, of a plurality of paddles each pivoted intermediate between its top and bottom edges, an excess of weight being on that side of each paddle that travels lowermost in the water, and means engaging the lighter sides of the paddles and serving to control the tilting movement of said paddles as their heavier ends enter the water.

2. In a current-motor, the combination with suitable paddle-supporting means, of a plurality of paddles each pivoted intermediate between its top and bottom edges, an excess of weight being on that side of each paddle that travels lowermost in the water and cables connected to the lighter sides of the paddles and serving to restrict the turning movement of the paddles as their heavier ends enter the water.

3. In a current-motor, the combination with suitable paddle-supporting means, of a plurality of pivoted paddles and guys or cables extending in opposite directions from said paddles and whereby the movement of said paddles is controlled.

4. In a current-motor, the combination with suitable paddle-supporting means, of a plurality of pivoted paddles and guys or cables extending in opposite directions from Said paddles and swivel connections for said guys or cables.

5. In a current-motor, the combination with a suitable paddle-supporting means, of a plurality of pivoted paddles, rods whereon said paddles are sustained and guys or cables extending in opposite directions from said paddles at the same sides of their pivotal points, the ends of the guys or cables that lead from one paddle being connected to the pivotrods of the adjacent paddles.

6. In a current-motor, the combination with endless sprocketchains and with sprocket-wheels for said chains at opposite ends of the motor-frame, of a plurality of paddles pivotally connected to said sprocketchains and guys or cables leading in opposite directions from each paddle at one side of its pivotal point.

7. In a current-motor, the combination with suitable paddle-supporting means, of a plurality of paddles each pivoted intermediate between its top and bottom edges, an excess of weight being on that side of each paddle that travels lowerinost in the water and means for controlling the tilting movement of said paddles comprising guys or ca- IOO bles connected to the lighter sides of said paddles and guides arranged to engage said paddles to turn them about their pivotal points under control of said guys or cables,

8. In a current-motor, the combination with endless sprocket-chains and with sprocket-wheels for said chains at opposite ends of the motor-frame, of a plurality of paddles pivotally connected to said sprocketchains, guys or cables attached to said paddles at one side of their pivotal points and guides adjacent said sprocket-wheels and eX- Atending into position to engage the paddles and turn them about their pivotal points.

9. In a current-motor, the combination with suitable paddle-supporting means, of a plurality of pivoted paddles, guys or cables attached to said paddles at one side of their pivotal points and a guide adjacent the front of the machine and arranged to engage said paddles to turn them about their pivots un-` der control of said guys or .cables toward the current as the paddles enter the water.

10. In a current-motor, the combination with sprocket-chains and with sprocketwheels for said chains at opposite ends of the motor-frame, of a plurality of paddles pivotally connected with said sprocket-chains, a guide located intermediate between the sprocket-chains and extending in position to engage the paddles and turn them. downward toward the current as said paddles pass forwardly and downwardly over the front sprocket-wheels and guys or cables connected to said paddles to limit their movement.

11. In a current-motor, the combination with sprocket-chains and with sprocketwheels for supporting saidA chains at the opposite ends of a motor-frame, of a plurality of paddles pivotally connected to said sprocketchains, a guide at the rear end of the main frame for engaging each paddle at one side of its pivotal point as it leaves the water and guys or cables connected to the paddles for controlling their movement.

12. In a current-motor, the combination with sprocket-chains and with sprocketwheels at opposite ends of the motor-frame for supporting said chains, of a plurality of paddles pivotally connected with said sprocket-chains and a guide located above the sprocket-chains at the rear end of the machine, said guide extending in position to contact with the uppermost edges of the paddles after they have been withdrawn from the water.

13. In a current-motor, the combination with sprocket-chains and with sprocketwheels at opposite ends of the motor-frame 'for sustaining said sprocket-chains, of a plurality of paddles pivotally connected with said sprocket-chains, guys or cables extending in opposite directions from said paddles and suitably connectedr with the sprocketchains, and a guide at the rear end ofthe main frame for engaging each paddle to insure its gradual change of position.

14. In a current-motor, the combination with suitable paddle-supporting means, of a plurality of paddles, guys or cables connected to said paddles for controlling their movements and guards or renders at the opposite ends of the several paddles.

15. In a current-motor, the combination with suitable paddle-supporting means, of a plurality of paddles, guys or cables connected to said paddles for controlling their movements and guards or fenders at the opposite ends of the several paddles, said guards or fenders being connected to and revoluble with the paddles.

16. In a current-motorwthe combination with suitable paddle-supporting means, of a plurality of paddles pivoted thereto intermediate their edges, guys or cables connected to said supporting means and to the sides of the paddles that are uppermost in the water, and means for turning said paddles about their pivots under control of said guys or cables as the paddles enter the water.

TRUMAN G. PALMER.

Iitnesses GEO. P. FISHER, Jr., ALBERTA ADAuroK. 

